I Explored an Abandoned Water Park. The Truth About What Happened Here.
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Is This Abandoned Water Park Cursed?
#creatornow
Lake Dolores Waterpark is an abandoned waterpark off Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert in the community of Newberry Springs, California, United States. The waterpark had operated under numerous names in the past, including Lake Dolores, Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark, and Discovery Waterpark.
The park was originally designed and built by local businessman Bob Byers for use by his extended family. Lake Dolores was named after Byers' wife.
The initial phases of conception, planning and construction took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s. An expanse of arid land on the eastern edge of the Mojave Desert 100 yards (91 m) from Interstate 15 was chosen for the project. The area contains underground springs fed by the Mojave Aquifer. Lake Dolores, the body of water, is a 273-acre (110 ha) man-made lake fed by underground springs.
In May 1962 a basic campground adjacent to the small lake was opened to the public. Enthusiasts of motocross and people traveling on Interstate 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas gave the campground some business.
Over the next 25 years, rides and attractions were added, and the site evolved into a waterpark, which was advertised on television with the slogan "The Fun Spot of The Desert!"
The park featured eight identical 150-foot (46 m) sixty-degree-angle steel waterslides mounted side by side on a man-made hill. Riders rode on small plastic "floaties" which skimmed 40 to 50 yards (37 to 46 m) across the lagoon when they hit the water at the slide's end.
Nearby were two V-shaped waterslides, also roughly 150 feet (46 m) long, which were ridden standing up. The slides ended about 15 feet (4.6 m) above the water, shooting the standing rider out of the end like a human cannonball.
On the "Zip-Cord" ride, riders hung from a hand-held device attached to a guide wire for approximately 200 feet (61 m) at a 30-degree downward angle. At the end of this wire the hand-grip would slam into a blocking mechanism and come to a stop about 20 feet (6.1 m) above the water, with the momentum thrusting the hanging rider 20 feet (6.1 m) forward into the lagoon.
In the middle of a smaller adjacent lake were three high diving boards, and three trapeze-like swings hanging from an A-frame structure mounted on a 20-foot (6.1 m) high platform. Riders launched themselves from these swings into the lake.
The "Big Bopper" was a fast, long group raft ride. The "Lazy River" was a slower and more relaxed raft ride. There were also bumper boats, an oval JetSki water racetrack, and a swimming pool.
The park saw its peak attendance between the early 1970s and the mid-1980s. After a downturn in popularity in the late 1980s, the park closed.
1990 through 2004
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Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark
Byers sold the defunct park in August 1990 to Lake Dolores Group LLC, a three-member investment group led by Oxnard, California businessman Terry Christensen, who envisioned a more polished park with a 1950s theme.
In 1995, the original water slides were removed and replaced with more modern fiberglass slides and were painted red, white and blue in reference to the United States flag. Advertising and promotion was contracted to Beachport Entertainment Corporation,[1] and the park reopened under a new name, "Rock-A-Hoola", on July 4, 1998. The new park featured the constant playing of 1950s and 1960s rock and roll music throughout the park along with some compatible graphics. In its "Rock-A-Hoola" incarnation, the park included a river ride on inflated tubes.
On June 26, 1999, Insomniac Events held the annual Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), an all-night rave, at Lake Dolores Waterpark.
An on-premises RV park had been planned but its opening was delayed. In its three seasons the park amassed three million dollars in debt, one of the three investors experienced financial problems, and an employee paralyzed in a 1999 accident was awarded $4.4 million in damages (affirmed by the California Fourth District Court of Appeal in 2004).[2][3][4] The park filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2000.
The court-appointed trustee failed to find a buyer, and in August 2000 the bankruptcy filing was changed to Chapter 7 liquidation. The bankruptcy judge overseeing the case returned the property to Dolores Byers (husband Bob Byers died in 1996) with most debts discharged.
Dolores Byers sold the property in September 2001 to S.L. Investment Group LLC of the City of Industry, California. She died a month later.
Have you ever been here? Was it open or did you sneak in after it was closed?
Also: take a drink every time I said "like" .....
This place gives major creep vibes. Super fun abandoned place to explore if you’re able.
That’s crazy how this was the first and they opened with nothing. Now there are so many amusement parks that have to go thru so much licensing and inspections to operate.
Yeah very true! Thanks to this place I'm sure they have a lot of those regulations.
I could not imagine climbing up a huge sand hill to go down a water slide! Let alone stand up while sliding down it! Haha super interesting though! Abandoned areas always have interested me. You’d think a water park in the hot climate would have done well though.
I totally agree. Crazy to think you had to crawl up that hill
Great job covering the history of this abandoned place. I remember the commercials for Lake Delores. I also remember seeing the abandoned sign off the freeway before Rockahoola started up.
Thank you so much for watching :) that’s so cool that you saw that stuff in person.
Wow great information this park and nice sharing dear
Thank you for checking it out!
"But that's fine." lololol
There was so much “wtf how did this happen” in that story. Hahah
We’re blessed to have show us this abandoned park. Thank you❤️
Thank you so much for watching!
I love your editing in this video. This was a cool story to listen to and you told it well. It’s crazy to think that back in those days you really didn’t have any regulations. Can’t wait to see where you go next!
Thank you so very much! I work really hard on the editing so I appreciate it :)
That is truly one of the best videos I have ever watched on RUclips! I really loved this, great history, editing, and story telling! Superb!
Wow! That means a lot. Thank you so very much! Hopefully I can keep bringing you more like this then :)
@@KarleyCottrell- I'm sure you will! And, I am sure you will grow and grow your skills, which are outstanding already. Im glad Alan introduced you. Alan, (@Las Vegas and Beyond) really helped me get better, because he is soooo good at what he does. We have had lots of great conversations about vlogging, but what I learned from him the most was his serious work ethic.
Un peccato, un parco acquatico così grande abbandonato così. Complimenti per il video 👏👏
Thank you so much for watching. Yes, quite a shame it has all gone to waste.
The water slide is so scary and in a middle of a desert. I am so surprised people would go there. Thanks for sharing
It's pretty nuts to think about, huh?
I've just googled the place. Wow, what a history. A water-park in the middle of the desert! Great video!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
Wow this is so cool! I love finding unique places like this in the desert. I feel like I pass a lot of these things driving from LA to Vegas.
YES! I've driven by it probably a hundred or more times and always been curious. Finally made the time to really go check it out. Worth the look if you like creepy places.
That would be an awesome place for a photo shoot!! Once again awesome knowledge and great commentary! Not to mention the music, the video and drone footage
You seriously could take tour groups to all these places. It’s so interesting. I know I’d love to come along, If i can ever get back to Vegas after this Covid!! Love your work❤️
Thank you so much for the kind comment. I really appreciate that you support the channel.
You always find the coolest places to explore!! Love the old footage too, really gives you a great feel for the place!
Super Creepy no way id go at night only during the day lol :)
I wouldn’t blame you at all! This place is creepy level 10/10.
I really enjoyed the video and story about the waterpark , that standing slide looked well dangerous lol . Thanks for sharing it ! A big thumbs up 👍
Awesome! Thank you so much! I appreciate the support.
Great job on presenting the history from this location. I had never heard of it. You did quite well. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for saying!
Your documentary/commentary style videos keep getting better! more videos like these please :)
Thank you so so much. I am so happy you liked it.
Jesus. Going down the slide when the've been shut off sounds so dangerous. I wonder how long it takes to fill the pools properly.
Yeah I wondered that too.
This place sounds great for adrenaline junkie people. I could barely stand and keep my balance on a surf board so that standing slide is definitely not for me. Sad tragedies and freak accidents are sure to close down a business. Such a great video, I’ve learned a lot.
Thank you so much for checking it out!
They want to bring it back!! Lol “let them live their dreams” 😆🤗 I love how you always share stories, you do an amazing job and very entertaining 😍
Ah thank you so very much!
Wow this story of this amusement park gives me the shivers. I had no idea this even existed. Not sure I would have the guts to step foot there. 🤣
It's super eerie in person. For sure not a place to stay too long alone.
Wow never heard of this one before. But I would be terrified to even think about going if they actually decide to reopen. It sounded like fun but 40 mph is crazy !!
I agree! How would that even be fun? I'd be so scared!
Awesome video Karley!!! Thanks again!!!
Wow this is so interesting! Kind of creepy but cool that you explored it!
Thank you for checking out the video!
I would NOT go down that standing slide. Thats insane.
Oh I agree with you. I'm not coordinated enough for that. I would be so hurt so quickly.
Another great video Karley, thanks! I had never heard of that place, seems like a bizarre place. Not really sure why any investor would even consider bringing it back, between the competition in the vicinity, in addition to all the history involved with it. Places like that should remain closed. There used to be a very old amusement park near here called: “The Enchanted Forest” which was a very popular nursery rhyme themed park, with safe and tame rides. Once Hershey park and other big amusement parks came about, the “Enchanted Forest” park attendance couldn’t compete. The park remained abandoned for many years and locals had wanted investors to bring it back to life, to be able to take their kids to the same fun park they enjoyed as a kid. It never happened, but as a compromise, investors who bought the land, and turned it into a shopping center, named the shopping center: The Enchanted Forest shopping center, and even kept the nursery rhyme king that used to be the entrance to the park.
Oh wow! That’s so interesting! There is an Enchanted Forest Park in Oregon that’s like 50 years old. I’ve heard people say they used to go when they were little and now take their grandkids.
@@KarleyCottrell The Enchanted Forest here opened in 1955. I would send you photos of it, but can’t do it in this site I suppose. Although I am sure you could find it on Google (modern technology is great isn’t it). I think you can find it online. I can see how it didn’t survive, with all the super duper amusement park rides that came about.
Karley why aren’t you out documenting the blaze? Soon everything is gonna be abandoned and a whole bunch of ash! Be safe and blessing to all in this time of devastation. 💙☮️
What blaze? Seems I’m out of the loop.
@@KarleyCottrell California blaze! Brief description ….. it’s like the size of California! Can’t miss it lol
Oh my gosh. I just discovered your channel and I'm obsessed! You deserve to have so many more followers! You should also do a video on "class" Action Park!
Oh my gosh thank you so very much! That's really nice of you to say. If I ever make my way to the other park I'll totally do a video there.
You always share the best stories!!💗 I’m always intrigued by your stories.
thank you so much for saying!
OMG.. this was so interesting to hear. I've never heard of this story. The background looks so erie. So many things happened there, but no long term success. Why would the employee go without any water? That was dumb stuff.
I totally agree! Like…. What were any of these people thinking?!
Great video. Thanks for the history lesson 👍
Thabk you so much for checking it out.
That was so cool, loved all the old video clips. Like # 32!!!!
Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate the support.
Just spent a hour here at this spot! Was very unique euphoric feeling there! Found your video and love the story i now know behind the park thanks to you
Ahh that's so cool! I'm glad people are still checking it out.
wow great information and history, I have heard of it and seen it driving by. Haven't stopped there though. Great job!
Thank you so much for checking it out!
Best video on this park ive seen so far! 😀👍
Oh wow thank you so much for saying! I appreciate that so much!
@@KarleyCottrell no problem 😀
Wow, this abandoned water park looks amazing! At the same time it's a bit creepy lol But I would love to visit this place, thank you so much for sharing :)
I agree. Amazing but creepy at the same time for sure.
To think of a place that’s meant for fun being haunted is just not right. Lol. But you shared a lot of history that makes you think. This is amazing what has happened there.
It is a bizarre feeling to know it was such a happy family place and now it looks like this!
This was really interesting and educative. The slides though were so stip and the the fact that you would to control yourself and stand before you jump into the water 😅
I don't know about you, but I wouldn't have tried those slides!
Another great spooky, yet educational, tour! Feels like it could be a setting for the next season of Strangers Things.
Ah thank you so much for saying. Yeah you're right!
Loving those drone shots!
Thank you! It was a cool place to bring the drone.
“Gotta roll the Silverware…” 🤣🤣🤣
I was hoping at least a few current or former servers would get that joke. hahah
Awesome videos and I remember you with us during the Mizpah Hotel Paranormal Investigation. You remember the coffee creamer thrown at the door.
Of course I remember you guys!
@@KarleyCottrell We are going back there to Goldfield to Investigate the Goldfield High school Sunday the 8th and Florence Mines Sat the 7th. My plane lands this Friday night. It's gonna be awesome we have lots to do 4 nights worth of Investigations.
I love your videos so much! They're so interesting and you do such an amazing job!!
Thank you so much for the kind comment! I really appreciate it :)
Hi beautifool Channels 👍🏻
Wow so entertaining Karley! Your really good at telling stories. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! That really means a lot.
Absolutely awesome video
Thank you so much!
Hey Karley this is an awesome explore I have been here many times. I was trying to place the building you were standing next to and I just couldn't places it and then i realized it lol I got to hand it to you I'm sure I've seen this before but never really thought about it just gotta say this is genius . Its a much easier way to explore the remote locations. Good Job I might have to steel this technique and good job on the thumbnail not a lot of people could nail this as well as you did.
I was hoping someone would pick up on it! Thank you so very much! Maybe someday I’ll do a livestream on the story behind this shoot. It was wild.
If people are interested in seeing the footage of me walking around I’m happy to post that if there’s enough interest.
Oh and the thumbnail was just a screen shot from the footage. I used Lightroom to adjust the exposure and color. But otherwise it’s just a plain old screen grab from footage.
@@KarleyCottrell I think we'll be supportive of anything you want to release but don't feel like you have to. Like i said i think you nailed it pretty good with this video.
@@KarleyCottrell It looks great.
Loved watching your take on Lake Dolores. I hadn’t heard about any dead kids. ROFL, the “like” drinking game for this video would be dangerous. 😂
Hahahah you can take the girl outta California, but you clearly can’t take the California outta the girl. Hahahah
Good video as usual. Thanks for sharing it.🥰
Thank you for checking it out.
Already kind of creepy I love water parks but wow super interesting for sure 😅
I loved water parks when I was little for sure. Haven't been in a long time.
As always.. awesome stuff!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the watch and the supportive comment.
Wow! Such a stunning urbex location. Also great doc, the standing slide is hilarious! Which activity would you want to start a lawsuit with?
Hahahha dealer’s choice on the lawsuit.
Cool story!
Thanks Len! Appreciate the watch, my dude.
I don't think I ever mentioned that l love videos on abandoned places, I get into a dark hole with these videos haha. Okayyyyy so they had to hike up and then come down sliding but standing up 😅 Dang I wouldn't have any fun since I'd probably be so hurt. Pretty cool to see in the middle of the dessert but sucks so many ended up hurt & not alive. This reminds me of an amusement park called Jazz land then it became a six flags in New Orleans which is abandoned now too. Thanks for alllll the history! so cool!
Thank you so so much for that wonderful comment. I'm so glad you dug the video!
I'm actually going to New Orleans next month. Maybe I should find Jazz Land
First of all, love your hair. Totally enjoyable video!!! Good job as usual Karley
Thanks man! It was a fun one to do. I mean it was only like 102 degrees so practically vacation weather. hahah
"fall onto the hard sand" 🤣
This is my first time hearing of the place! Holy crap those long angled slides are horrifying lol 😆 just find em omfg 😳
So much craziness, right?!
I got some friends that flew there drones there, I might go fly my drone there someday? Great video...Did you fly your drone there?
Yep yep! If you watch the video you’ll see drone footage throughout. It’s a fun place to fly.
Wait. Did you say 225’??? Come on now! Who was doing that nonsense?! I think I could the zip lining…that looks like fun. The park actually looks super cool now. I love the graffiti art of these kinds of abandoned places.
I loved the graffiti too! Some of it was really incredible. I think they could sell admission for tours to go around and learn about the art.
Great video.
Thank you! This was a crazy one to film.
Side note: I love all of the graffiti 😍🤍 seems a little spooky to me.. you’re brave , did you go by yourself? Its sad that they would find kids bodies at the end of the day! 😢 seems like A LOT of history though .. thanks for the info
I did go on my own, but it was ok. Yeah the history of this place was so nuts!
I could’ve had it so much history to your video the original lake Dolores also had a motocross track
Oh there's SO MUCH more to tell about this place. I could do a full length documentary with all of the additional info I had. So much happened!
Omg all of these attractions make me nervous. Everything seemed like a safety hazard. Find bodies…I cannot.
Wait why was this person going down the slide after hours. I feel like they shouldn’t have won.
All of it was a whole mess! Like.. how did people keep funding this place?!
Totally. That was my first thought too! How does THAT work?
@@KarleyCottrell right! Like if you know this person’s child did not return home after going there…why go? I have a lot of questions.
@@KarleyCottrell Also, I would be really surprised if they restart and revamp that water park. But I wouldn't go there lol!
Omg the kids 😩😰 this was sooo freaky! Please update us if they actually decide to reopen in 2022😅
Will do! It would be crazy if they actually did.
Not safe but 🤷🏽♀️ it’s fine! Lol! I think this was an amazing idea tho changing a ranch to an amusement park! 😂
I agree. At least with the park they had like 15-20 ish years of success
Great video
Thank you very much!
I want to come see it now
It’s a really beautiful place in a sort of strange way.
Hey lets bring back Lake Dolores DeathPark...
Hahaha yeah evidently none of the investors ever saw a problem with that statement.
This was so awesome and exciting ,not forgetting entertaining thanks for the history of this cringe worthy water park hun love your informative vlogs.
Thank you so very much!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😀😀😀😀😀😀👌👌👌👌
It is, A Coworker Mason haunts the place.
Nice! Hope Mason is digging his haunt spot.
@@KarleyCottrell well, its quite a story.
@@KarleyCottrell so he died in one of the slides there very brutally. nd to this day his spirit roams the park.
Question is are you a good cook?
If you can tell me how that is specifically relevant at all to this video I will answer.
A lake named after a woman's body part. #Seinfeld
Hahahahhah omg what a call back. Good memory!
I love you ❤️
Anyone know if this still stands as of February 2024?
I’d love to know too!
Your hair is really cute and poppin ❤️🔥😘
Thanks I'm pretty sure I showered that day.